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26 new sites inscribed in this year’s voting
The Lakes of Ounianga, in Chad, have been designated as a World Heritage site. Satellite photo courtesy NASA.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — If you ever wondered what Xanadu, the western Ghats of India and the birthplace of Jesus have in common, think about it this way: All three are part of Earth’s shared natural and cultural heritage.
Last week, UNESCO recognized the gobal significance of all three sites, inscribing them on to the ever-growing list of world heritage sites along with 23 other locations around the world. The annual June voting helps spotlight renowned archaeological sites, natural wonders and historic treasures, often boosting preservation efforts and fostering local initiatives to increase sustainable tourism.
Colorado’s only world heritage site so far is Mesa Verde. Others in the U.S. include Redwoods National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, the Everglades and the Grand Canyon. No new U.S. sites were added this year, but the San Antonio missions were nominated and could be added to the list in the next few years, representing the important Spanish influence in the settlement of North America. Learn more about World Heritage sites in the U.S. at this National Park Service website. (more…)
Filed under: Archaeology, Environment, Travel, world news | Tagged: birthplace of Jesus, Kublai Khan, Lakes of Ounianga, UNESCO, western ghats India, World Heritage Site, Xanadu | Leave a Comment »
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